Christine (Senger) Axtmann

Christine (Senger) Axtmann, 94, passed away in her sleep on July 14, 2026 due to congestive heart failure that she had been battling for several years. She never lost her spirit for life and still enjoyed playing cards, especially pinochle, doing puzzles, reading, crocheting, and cross stitching up until her death.

Her kind and caring spirit always had food in the house for visitors, her door was always open. She was born in Orrin, ND on the farm by a midwife on November 2, 1931 to Joseph W. Senger and Elizabeth (Thomas) Senger both of Orrin. She attended elementary school there until 8th grade when she stayed home to help farm and take care of her ailing mother.

She grew up neighbors to Ferdinand Axtmann and some thought they were cousins as both of their mothers were raised by Ferdinand and Helen Voeller who couldn’t have children. Fred and Christine were united in marriage at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Orrin on July 4th, 1961 and they moved to Norma, ND as Fred worked on the Soo Line Railroad. It was there they adopted their first child, Mary Beth and then moved back in with her parents to help care for her ailing mother once again. During this time they adopted their second child Paul Nicholas.

After the death of her mother, the family of four moved to Portal, ND where they made their home for the next 30 plus years. Christine became a janitor for the US Customs building and for the elementary school in Portal while living there. She took great pride in her work and the two buildings were immaculate under her care. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Christian Mothers Catholic Church organization and Burke Central Quarterback club. After the death of Fred in 1998. Christine decided it was time to move back to her roots and found an apartment in Rugby, ND where 5 of her siblings lived within 60 miles.

Surviving Christine are her daughter Mary (Wade) Kynett, Moccasin, MT and their children Lani (Jordan) Ingram of Katy, TX, Jesse, Bozeman, MT, Preston, Billings, MT, and Kale, Moccasin, MT; her son, Paul (Misty) Axtmann and their children Kyra and Ausin all from Selz ND. Great grandchildren Hadley, Finley & Nolan Ingram, Katy, TX. Brother Nick (Bernie) Senger, Rugby, ND. In-Laws: David Axtmann, Highmore, SD, George Axtmann, Fargo, ND, Mary Ann Schuster, West Fargo, ND, Alice Henderscheid, Center, ND, Cathy (Harold) O’Connell, Chicago, IL plus the numerous nieces and nephews she loved so dearly.

Preceded in Death; her parents, husband of 37 years Fred Axtmann, In-Laws Nick and Christine (Massine) Axtmann, Siblings and their spouses: Tony (Regarda) Senger, Lakota ND, Pete (Lucy) Senger, Edmonds, WA, Edward (Julia) Senger, Harvey, ND, Monsignor Joseph Senger, Minot, ND, Betty (Tom) Burgard, Rugby, ND, Jenny (Pete) Lemer, Drake, ND. Infant Brother Adam Senger, Orrin, ND. Infant Grandson Axtmann, Selz, ND. In-Laws: Gwen Axtmann, Highmore, SD, Eddie (Betty) Axtmann, Mandan, ND, Budd Henderscheid, Center, ND, Sister Carol Axtmann, Richardton, ND, Tony (Jane) Axtmann, Vista CA, infant Paul Axtmann, Orrin, ND.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, July 22 at Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby with burial in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Orrin.

Father Paul Schuster (Godson), Father David Axtmann (brother-in-law), Father Mark Axtmann (Nephew) and Father Reese Weber.

Organist: Glenda Mack

Vocal leader/Cantor: Sara Selensky

Scripture Readers: Mary Kay Miller, Pete Burgard, Joan Domler & Carol Hanson

Gift Bearers: Godchildren, Tom Senger, Ken Burgard, Cleo Peterson, Mary Kay Miller and In Memory Valentine Senger

Casket Bearers: Grandchildren, Lani Ingram, Jesse Kynett, Preston Kynett, Kale Kynett, Kyra Axtmann & Austin Axtmann

Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home of Rugby.

Published by The Pierce County Tribune, July 25, 2026.